Moo.com

by Heather | Dec 2, 2024 | A Few Of My Favorite Things, Business Essentials

This month’s Favorite Thing spotlight goes to Moo.com! I’ve been using Moo for over a year now for my business cards, and I couldn’t be happier. Their cards are incredibly high-quality, with vibrant colors, sharp designs, and a luxurious feel that stands out. Every time I hand one out, I get compliments—not just on the design, but on how professional they look and feel. Moo helps me make a lasting impression with every interaction.

While Moo is known for their business cards, they offer so much more, from postcards and flyers to custom notebooks and stickers. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your branding, they’ve got you covered with customizable options to suit your needs.

As a special treat, new Moo customers can get 25% off their first order. Click the button below to check them out and take your branding to the next level!

Step Up Your Brand Game!

Prepare for a Winning Q1… Your December Checklist for Business Success

by Heather | Dec 2, 2024 | Business Essentials

Heather holding a phone showing a December checklist

Here are 5 key steps to take this month to get your 2025 off with a bang!

1. Schedule a CEO Day

A “CEO Day” is a dedicated day for you to step back from the daily hustle and focus on high-level planning and strategic thinking. Carving out even half a day for this purpose allows you to align your vision with your business goals and enter the new year with clarity and purpose. Here’s how to structure your CEO Day:

Reflect on 2024: Spend some time reviewing what worked well in your business and what didn’t. Did any strategies drive significant growth? Were there any recurring challenges?
Set Clear Goals for 2025: Think beyond financial goals—consider your vision for client relationships, process improvements, and personal growth.
Identify Key Initiatives for Q1: Once you have your annual goals, determine the core projects or campaigns you’ll focus on in Q1 to get a head start.

TIP: Make your CEO Day special! Head to a quiet coffee shop, rent a co-working space, or create a cozy home setup that helps you focus and get inspired.

2. Review Your Finances

Year-end is the ideal time to assess your finances and set a foundation for a financially healthy 2025. Taking the time to audit your expenses, trim unnecessary costs, and plan for future investments can make a huge difference.

Analyze Where Your Money Went: Review your expenses to identify recurring costs that may no longer be useful. Were there tools or subscriptions you paid for but didn’t use enough? Now’s the time to cancel or downgrade.
Plan for Q1 Investments: Budget for the new tools, services, or contractors that can support your growth goals. Are there any industry events, new hires, or marketing campaigns that you want to fund in Q1?

TIP: Start categorizing expenses and preparing records for tax season. It’s a small step now, but it’ll make tax time so much easier!

3. Declutter & Organize Digital Spaces

Digital clutter can sap energy and make it harder to stay organized. Clearing out unnecessary files, emails, and documents now can give you a fresh start and boost productivity in January.

File Organization: Set up new folders for 2025 and archive last year’s documents. Consider using cloud storage to keep files organized and accessible from anywhere.
Inbox Zero Challenge: Take the time to go through your emails, delete unimportant messages, and categorize important ones for easy access. Unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read—fewer distractions mean more focus!
Tidy Up Project Management Tools: If you use a tool like Asana, Trello, or ClickUp, go through old projects, wrap up or archive those that are complete, and start fresh with your Q1 plans.

TIP: Use this time to set up or refresh any file naming conventions or folder structures. Staying organized from the start can save time throughout the year.

4. Update Key Processes & Automations

Systems and automations are crucial for smooth operations, and December is a great time to fine-tune them. Taking a few hours to assess your workflows and automations can lead to major time savings and better productivity.

Identify Bottlenecks: Think about any steps in your workflows that caused delays or stress this year. Document these and brainstorm ways to streamline them in 2025.
Refresh Templates & Automations: Review your email templates, canned responses, or automated workflows. Are they still relevant? Are there ways to make them more efficient or personalized?

TIP: Don’t hesitate to retire outdated templates or automations that don’t serve your current needs. A simpler, more focused setup can help you stay nimble.

5. Outline Your Q1 Strategy

Finally, take everything you’ve gathered from your CEO Day and planning sessions to create a simple, actionable roadmap for Q1. A clear strategy will not only keep you focused but also give you tangible steps to check off as you move through the quarter.

Break Down Major Goals into Tasks: For each of your Q1 goals, outline the steps or milestones needed to achieve them. Adding deadlines can keep you on track and accountable.
Set Regular Check-Ins: Schedule monthly or bi-weekly check-ins to evaluate your progress. Reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and adjust as needed.

TIP: Keep your Q1 strategy visible—whether on a whiteboard, planner, or digital tool. This way, it’s easy to stay reminded of what matters most as the year kicks off.

Take Time for You!

December is a balancing act between wrapping up business goals and celebrating the season. As you take these intentional steps, also remember to enjoy this time and recharge. A refreshed mind and spirit are some of the greatest assets you can bring into the new year.

Here’s to wrapping up 2024 on a high note and entering 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward. Happy holidays, and may this coming year bring growth and fulfillment in every way!

Ready to Tackle 2025? Let’s Chat!

The Power of Snail Mail in a Digital World

by Heather | Nov 2, 2024 | Business Essentials, Tech Tips

When was the last time you received a handwritten note in the mail?

It’s a rare treat these days, but isn’t it a wonderful feeling to know that someone took the time to send you something special? That personal touch stands out in a digital world filled with quick messages and automated emails. It’s one of those small, thoughtful actions that can brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impression.

My Recent Snail Mail Project

Last month, I had the pleasure of working on a project for one of my clients. I helped design an invitation for an upcoming event and took care of the entire mailing process—hand-addressing envelopes, stuffing, stamping, and delivering them to the USPS. There’s something deeply meaningful about connecting with others in such a thoughtful way. In our increasingly digital lives, receiving a physical piece of mail feels like a unique gesture.

Why Snail Mail Still Matters

Sending something as simple as a birthday card, a thank-you note, or even a “thinking of you” message can make a lasting impression on clients, colleagues, and friends. It’s a tangible reminder that someone values them. And taking the time to write and mail a card shows an extra level of care that’s impossible to replicate with an email or text.

Beyond Notes: Elevating Your Client Relationships

Thoughtful touches go beyond cards. Many business owners share gifts or welcome packages when they sign on new clients, helping establish that personal connection right from the start. If you’re interested in sending gifts or packages, but don’t have the time or resources to manage it, let’s talk! I can help with ordering, packaging, and sending gifts to ensure your clients or partners feel valued and appreciated.

In a fast-paced, digital world, let’s not forget the impact of genuine, heartfelt gestures. Whether it’s a handwritten card or a carefully curated welcome package, these small acts of kindness can make a big difference in your relationships.

Want to Receive a Thoughtful Note from Me?

If you’d like to receive a handwritten card from me or HAS Solutions throughout the year, simply click the button below and provide your details. Whether it’s a birthday card, a Christmas greeting, or a thank-you note, it would be my pleasure to brighten your day. Rest assured, your information is for my eyes only and will never be shared or sold.

Sign Me Up for Snail Mail

Five Safety Tips for a Secure Holiday Season Online!

by Heather | Oct 1, 2024 | Business Essentials, Tech Tips

In today’s digital world, staying safe online is more important than ever. With hackers and scammers constantly looking for ways to steal your personal information, it’s essential to protect yourself and your accounts.

Here are some practical tips to keep you secure online:

1. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but come with significant security risks. Hackers can easily intercept your data, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes. Whenever possible, use a secure, private connection, especially when accessing sensitive information like banking or personal accounts.

2. Use Unique Passwords for Everything

Ensure that each of your accounts has a unique password. This can feel overwhelming at first, but a password manager can help you keep track of everything.

Password Managers: A password manager is a program that allows users to store and manage their passwords for local applications or online services such as web applications, online shops or social media.
- Some examples: Apple and Google have built in password managers you can use for free. 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden are examples of subscription based password managers. Feel free to reach out if you need help deciding which is the best option for you.
Update Your Current Passwords: Go through your existing passwords and update them to strong, unique ones.
- If you have many accounts, make a list of all of them and start by updating five passwords a week, focusing first on the most important accounts like banking, social media, and any platforms where your credit card details are stored.

3. Manage Password Sharing

If you’ve shared your account details with anyone—whether an assistant, family member, or friend—make sure to remove access for anyone who no longer needs it. Regularly audit who has access to your accounts and change your passwords after shared access has been revoked.

4. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails

Phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it harder to differentiate between legitimate and fake emails. Watch out for red flags like:

Misspelled words, poor grammar, or emails that create a sense of urgency.
Common phishing tactics include notifications claiming there’s a problem with your account, billing issues, or threats that your account is about to be shut down.
For example, you might receive an email pretending to be from Amazon, prompting you to click a link. The link directs you to a fake website, which happens to look exactly like the real Amazon site, where hackers steal your login information once you enter it.

Always double-check the sender email address before clicking on links in emails. In fact, it is almost always better to leave the email and go into a webpage and type the company’s offical website in to access your account. If something is actually wrong with your order or account, it should show when you log in. If in doubt, consider contacting the company directly through the contact details on their official website.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they’ll still need access to a secondary device or account to gain full access. Whenever it’s available, be sure to enable 2FA.

*** Bonus: A Few Social Media Safety Tips

Don’t Fall for Hoaxes: With all the buzz about Meta AI and privacy concerns, it’s important to stay informed about how your content is being used. A rumor currently going around that posting a paragraph on Facebook will stop the platform from using your content. This is FALSE. If you’re concerned about privacy, always read the platform’s terms and conditions.

Check Before You Share: If you’re reposting missing persons alerts or similar content, check the original post source. Look at the poster’s profile to verify if it’s a real account or spam. If the profile is new or hasn’t posted anything else, it’s likely not legitimate. Also, missing persons should always have a case number from the police.

Stay safe and protect your online presence! For more tips or help with your online security, feel free to reach out to us at HAS Solutions.

Panda Planner

by Heather | Sep 1, 2024 | A Few Of My Favorite Things, Business Essentials

A Few of My Favorite Things: Panda Planner

If you have been following any of my social media pages…

if you aren’t my links are right below 😉… give me a follow…

You have probably seen me talk about my Panda Planner. I’ve been using it for a couple months now.

I’m L-O-V-I-N-G it. 🤩

I am more organized and productive than ever. If you haven’t tried using a planner yet, I highly recommend it—it’s a game-changer for staying on top of your goals and daily tasks.

Click the button below to use my affiliate link to get your own PandaPlanner and start crushing your goals too! There should also be a little discount included when you get to checkout if you use that link.

Get Your Panda Planner Today!

Celebrating One Year of HAS Solutions: A Year of Growth, Success, and Client Wins

by Heather | Sep 1, 2024 | Business Essentials

As I sit down to reflect on the first year of HAS Solutions, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. What started as a dream has grown into a thriving business dedicated to helping other businesses streamline their operations, focus on what they do best, and achieve their goals.

The Journey Begins

One year ago, I launched HAS Solutions with a simple mission: to alleviate the burden of day-to-day tasks for my clients, allowing them to concentrate on their core strengths and the growth of their businesses. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and, most importantly, successes that I share with each of my clients.

Client Success Stories

Throughout this year, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible array of clients, each with unique needs and aspirations. From creating tailored websites that elevate online presence to optimizing existing systems for better performance, my work has always been about finding solutions that drive results.

Client Success Story 1 – Over the past month, I had the pleasure of working with my client, Katie Lucas, who had been successfully selling her custom apparel items through her Facebook group, KDLu Designs, for several years. However, relying solely on a social media platform posed certain risks, especially after experiencing a Facebook outage earlier this year that temporarily halted her sales.Together, we explored the benefits of having a dedicated e-commerce website to expand her business’s reach and ensure stability. By building her a new online store, we not only opened up new opportunities for growth but also provided a safeguard for her business—ensuring that, even if Facebook goes down again, her sales can continue uninterrupted. Feel free to join her FB group, linked above, to see the new website reveal later this week.

Client Success Story 2 – I recently had the privilege of connecting with my newest client, Lori Gasca, a true pillar in our local business community, especially for women entrepreneurs. Lori is the driving force behind The Growth Summit, an annual event that brings together women from across the area to learn, network, and grow. She reached out to me to support her in planning, implementing, and managing the follow-up for the upcoming Growth Summit, scheduled for January 24, 2025.So far, I’ve assisted Lori by organizing various aspects of the event—whether that’s streamlining programs she already had in place or setting up new systems to optimize the planning process. I’ve also conducted research on key elements needed for the event, reached out to past participants, and established connections with new contacts. There’s still plenty of work to be done as we approach the event, but I’m thrilled to be a part of Lori’s team, helping to set the stage for a successful and impactful summit.
If you’re in the Houston area and interested in attending The Growth Summit in January, tickets are on sale now! You can find more details at The Growth Summit’s website, vendor spots are also available. If you want to learn more about Lori and the wonderful work she is doing, please visit her website.

Client Success Story 3 – One of my clients is a talented business consultant who specializes in helping companies identify areas for improvement to boost sales and revenue. His expertise lies in stepping into organizations, analyzing their operations, and offering strategic advice on how to optimize their processes for better results.
I’ve had the pleasure of supporting him by creating and refining Word documents and PowerPoint presentations that he uses to communicate his insights to his clients. Whether it’s crafting compelling reports or designing impactful slides, I’ve been able to contribute to his mission of driving success for the businesses he consults.

These are just a few examples of the work I’ve done over the last year, but they represent the heart of what HAS Solutions is all about—partnering with businesses to unlock their full potential.

A Big Thank You

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the trust and support of my clients, followers, and everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your belief in HAS Solutions has driven me to continually innovate and strive for excellence in everything I do. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you and for the relationships we’ve built over the past year.

Looking Ahead

As I celebrate this first anniversary, I’m also looking to the future with excitement and anticipation. There are some amazing new developments in the pipeline that I can’t wait to unveil. I look forward to finding new ways of serving my clients even better, the next year promises to be even more exciting.

I invite you to stay tuned as we continue to grow and evolve. Together, we can achieve even greater things in the year ahead!

Thank you for being a part of HAS Solutions’ journey. Here’s to another year of growth, success, and making a difference in your business!

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